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Levi Odogwubueze
As a promoter of good governance and defender of truth in Enugu State, my attention has been drawn to the false and misleading allegation making the rounds on the social media that the Enugu State Government has sealed a bilateral agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran to establish an Iranian Hospital in the State.
I have read the report of the visit of the Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria to Enugu, and I make bold to state that from the content of the publications, there was nowhere it was reported that the state government had sealed such agreement.
Ordinarily, it is not in my tradition to join issues with those who obviously are uncomfortable with the enduring peace and good governance in the state, but since the mischievous and unjust allegation has religious and diplomatic connotations and was deliberately crafted to mislead, incite and undermine the untiring efforts of the government to woo investors as well as improve the living standard of the people, the need for my personal reaction becomes imperative.
READ: Iran to establish Iranian Hospital in Enugu state
Consequently, I wish to allay the fears in the people of Enugu State and the Igbo nation at large over the spurious report, by stating categorically, for record purposes, that the Enugu State Government did not sign any Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or seal a bilateral agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran on the establishment of an Iranian Hospital in the state, as was mischievously alleged.
From my objective investigation, the encounter between Enugu State and the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, His Excellency, Morteza Rahimi Zarchi, ensued when the private firm (FIT Consult Ltd) developing the Heliu Residences project in Enugu invited the diplomat to the state to undertake a feasibility study of establishing an Iranian Hospital, modeled after the one in Dubai at the ongoing Estate.
Conventionally, the Ambassador while in Enugu paid a courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu, where he informed the governor of his mission to the state.
At the meeting, no MOU was signed and no bilateral agreement was reached.
It would be recalled that the state government, in April last year, organized the first ever Enugu State Investment Summit, tagged “Oganiru Enugu”, where the economic potentials of the State were showcased in line with its promise to vigorously promote investment and pursue the diversification of the State’s economy.
At the successful summit, 17 moribund state-owned companies and agencies were profiled for privatization and commercialization, and I read recently that some investors have indicated their intention to get the companies back in business.
Interestingly, I also read that over five foreign countries through their diplomatic missions have indicated an intention to establish various forms of hospitals in Enugu State, including the proposed Iranian Hospital and none of whose intent has been consummated or proposal approved.
The government has continued to extend its hands of fellowship to any foreign country and international organization that is willing to engage the state in a diplomatic relationship once such country or organization is genuine, will bring immense benefits to the state and has full accreditation of her diplomatic mission in Nigeria, home country as well as the Federal Government of Nigeria.
It has on various forums reiterated its declaration that Enugu State is open for business, and would be eager to engage in business partnership with any country or international organization that is genuine, has diplomatic relations with the country and will equally not pose any threat to the people of the state.
In view of the above explanations, I wish to call on the general public to disregard the unfounded report being peddled in the social media by mischief makers and enemies of Enugu State, which has created unnecessary fear in the people of the state, as it was meant to misinform, mislead and incite the public against the government.
Thank you and God bless.
Levi Odogwubueze, jnr
